As part of our series, covering 100 of the best business ideas out there, we present our list of 10 Online Businesses. These are Internet-based businesses that just about anyone can start.

For some, you’ll need to have some creative skills and/or training before you launch, while others take no special training at all. In any case, if you’re looking for a way to make money online, here you go…

1. Write e-books

You have expertise. Really – you do. Whether you’ve gone to school to learn a trade, worked in a particular field, or just read a lot of books, you know more about some subject than many people out there.

Even if all you’ve done with your life is play video games for the last three years, you are an expert. Of course, you might have had a different definition of an expert up until now, but really, if you know a lot more about a particular subject than another person, then between the two of you, you are the expert.

Now that we’ve established that, the second part of the equation is that whatever expertise you have, you can bet there are people out there who want it. And a great way to get it to them is through e-books. Many people have made a fortune, both selling e-books, and by giving them away to get people interested enough to sell them consulting, training programs, paper books, etc.

The key is to market your expertise and your e-books well. There is a ton of information online about how to do so, much of it in the form of – e-books! So start researching, then get to writing.

2. Affiliate Marketing

In Anthony Berelli’s book, Affiliate Millions, he insists anyone can make millions on search marketing and affiliate programs, with very little money to start. While this might seem a little unrealistic, a few have done it and many, many more have been able to carve out a good living in this area, even if they didn’t make millions.

The one thing that is absolutely true is that you don’t have to be a genius or have any special training to pull it off. And it won’t cost you a fortune to get started. Check out Commission Junction, the largest affiliate management company, and look through CJU, their online training site. With some patience and perseverance, this business could become your full time gig.

3. Google AdSense

Do you already have a website, or are you thinking about building one? Whether it’s a blog, an information site, or even a product site, many people make a living off their efforts with Google AdSense. Basically, you’re just going to place Google text ads on your site, for which Google will pay you.

4. Blogging for Dollars

These days it seems like everyone has a blog. That’s because blogs are a great way to attract and communicate with customers, improve your search engine optimization (SEO), and yes, make good money – if you do it right.

If you like to write and you’re disciplined about maintaining your content, this could be the business for you!

5. Freelancing

Are you really good at something? Have you worked as a programmer, writer, social media editor or performed other online activities for an employer?

Why not put the money from those activities in your own pocket? Freelancers are in demand in many fields, and there are several sites where you can find work. If you’re really good, you’ll get a reputation for quality, and your demand will climb fast. Check out Elance.com, iFreelance.com, and GoFreelance.com to get you started.

6. eBay

For less than $100 and very little risk, you can start an eBay business right now. And because eBay is so popular, there are thousands of resources available for the eBay entrepreneur. Literally millions of people are on the site at any given time, and they’re looking for stuff to buy.

Even if you’ve never used the site, an eBay business, once you learn the system, is pretty easy and can help you make your fortune, without even leaving your house!

7. Amazon Sales

Like eBay, Amazon offers a tremendous opportunity for anyone looking to make a living on the Internet. You thought Amazon was just books? Oh no, my friend. You can get just about anything through Amazon, from electronics to groceries.

In the book, How to Sell Anything on Amazon… and Make a Fortune!, you’ll learn, step-by-step, how to set up shop on Amazon – and start making money – right away. By the way, thinking about that e-book idea at the top, Amazon is a great place to start selling it!

8. Web Design

Here’s one of those Internet businesses where you really should have some training and a lot of practice to get started. However, if you have an eye for good design, some creative juice, and a little bit of fortitude, you can teach yourself many of the tricks of the trade.

There are several good open source web design programs out there, including Joomla, Aptana, and even WordPress.org, and many DIY resources, like Homestead and Open Source Web Design. These are still not a replacement for serious web designers, though.

The real money in this field is made by those who really know what they’re doing. If you’re thinking about pursuing this venture, here’s a good book to get you started.

9. SEO

Do you have a website that you’ve been able to drive a lot of traffic to? Have you learned what it takes to get ranked toward the top of the search engines?

Then you’re in an elite group. And people will pay big bucks for your help in getting their websites more traffic. As with web design, you’ll need experience with SEO to make a business of it, but don’t let that hold you back.

In the process of learning the ins and outs, you can build a site that will help you to be successful in this business as well as any other idea on this list! If you’re going to read a book on SEO, be sure it’s current, like SEO for 2018, as this is a field that is forever changing.

10. Domain Trading

You say you’re not creative enough for web design, and you want a shorter learning curve than SEO consulting? Maybe domain trading is the business you should look at.

Without having to ever design a website or create any content, you can be in the business of buying and selling domains quickly, and for a very low investment. If you’ve ever had an idea for a great domain name, only to find that it’s registered but not being used for its “intended” purpose, then you already know a little about this business.

Chances are, the person who owns that domain is looking to sell it. You could be that guy or gal. If you don’t have a lot of money to buy domain names in bulk, just buy one or two now and then, and put any money you make back into more domain names until you have a strong portfolio. Check out sites like Sedo.com and Afternic.com to learn more and get started!

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out last week’s list: 10 Businesses You Can Run from Home. Next up – kid-related businesses. Look for that post next week, and be sure to keep an eye on this spot for the compilation of all 100 of our best business ideas! And as always, share your thoughts below and in the YE forum.

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